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Celtic and Hearts players taken off during pitch invasion, pundits slam “unacceptable” scenes

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Celtic and Hearts players taken off during pitch invasion, pundits slam “unacceptable” scenes

Celtic and Hearts players had to be taken off during a pitch invasion, pundits took to slam the “unacceptable” scenes which unfolded.

Hearts needed to just avoid defeat and they win their first Scottish title in 66 years, breaking a run of 41 years when only Celtic and Rangers have lifted it.

Heart of Midlothian had gone ahead through Lawrence Shankland on 43 minutes, but Arne Engels levelled for Celtic just before half time with a penalty (45+3′ pen).

Derek McInnes’s side could only hold on until the 88th minute, when Benjamin Nygren put Celtic ahead, heartbreak for Hearts, then Callum Osmand’s 98th minute goal sealed the win, Martin O’Neill’s fourth league title as manager of Celtic.

Sadly, as per BBC Sport’s live blog, ugly scenes following that third goal, with BBC Sportscene pundit Allan Preston saying some of those Celtic fans streaming onto the pitch were targeting Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland.

Sky Sports presenter Eilidh Barbour said after the game, per Daily Record: “They [The Hearts players] have left in their full kit, they didn’t get changed and you can understand.

“But also, the scenes at the end where supporters came on the pitch, we are hearing reports that there were some assaults towards Hearts players.

“That is something that we do not want to see from supporters on the pitch at any time in football. It’s football at the end of the day.”

James McFadden, on punditry for Sky Sports, said: “You can hear the reaction from the majority of the Celtic fans in here with the fans on the pitch, the booing.

“You don’t want to see it. It’s a game of football, you have got two teams that have earned the right to go toe-to-toe on a day like this, and the winner emerges with the trophy. Hearts have played their part by a huge stretch, and you don’t want to see overspill of fans.

“I understand the emotion of the occasion, you have a right to celebrate but you can’t cross the line. If that is right that Hearts players have been assaulted that is absolutely unacceptable.”

McFadden added: “Going up to players…I get emotions are running high, but the players should be safe on the football pitch. There will always be people who spoil it for everybody else.

“You heard the majority of fans in here [Celtic Park] booing the fans that had gone on to the pitch, because they know that you support your team and are overjoyed to win another title, but do it in the right manner. That is unacceptable for me. A player should be safe of a football pitch and not surrounded by stewards, Lawrence Shankland is almost surrounded by his teammates to make sure nothing happens to him. That is unacceptable.”

Chris Sutton replied: “I totally agree. You can imagine how the players would have felt after such a long season and losing it at the end, the Celtic fans who got involved with the Hearts players were lucky they didn’t get a thump or two.”

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Celtic manager Martin O’Neill tells Sky Sports: “I had a great side then, a really great side. That team won the matches for me and that’s what this team has done.

“They never gave up.

“I’m never sure about momentum because it can change in an instant. If you’d asked me before we played Rangers if we would take it into the final day, I’d have bitten your arm off.

“We made plenty of mistakes, but there’s great mental courage in the team which has carried us over the line.

“I’m a bit-part in proceedings. They see me every day the players, this old man, and think ‘what’s he doing here?’

“I feel rejuvenated. In October I was having a coffee on the Kings Road, enjoying retirement. I thought the days of me here at Celtic Park lifting trophies were well and truly gone.”

[On whether he will be here next season]: “I just don’t know. It takes its toll.

“I thought we might have been able to slip in a draw somewhere [after the loss at Tannadice], but it wasn’t to be.

“I was in this very spot last season talking to Brendan [Rodgers] about winning it and I was really jealous. Not for one minute did I think I’d be back here.

“It has been really sensational for me. I really can’t believe it.

“It’s very easy to be patronising, but Hearts are the big story of this season. They are terrific, the manager has been fantastic. It’s easy for me to say, but I hope I would have said the same if they had taken the championship.”

Celtic captain Callum McGregor tells Sky Sports: “You put your heart and soul into this job. You can’t switch it off.

“It’s probably been the most the club has had to deal with. You can’t do it all on your own, you have to have eight or nine senior players driving it.

“I did [feel it was coming]. You could feel the energy picking up, we were creating chances and had bodies up the top end of the pitch.

“Credit to the boys – they found a way to win the game.

“So many late goals, so you have that belief. Everyone has – quite rightly – had a pop at us, but it’s good to answer that.

“The players rose to the occasion and found a way to get the job done.

“All the pressure was on us again. There’s so much expectation, but somehow you find a way. I guess that’s the sign of champions.

“It’s heart and desire, that’s what wins you football matches.

“Hopefully we can use this as a catapult to get the club back on track. Our job is to deliver titles and I’m pleased we’ve managed to do our bit.”

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